Emergency Medicine Physician - Columbia Memorial Hospital, Astoria (Assistant Professor)

Department Overview

About Columbia Memorial Hospital

Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) is the fastest-growing rural hospital in Oregon, proudly serving the healthcare needs of the northern Oregon coast. In partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), CMH provides exceptional, person-centered care as a not-for-profit, independent, Planetree Gold-Certified organization.

As a full-service Critical Access Hospital, CMH is committed to combining clinical excellence with community-focused care. The hospital and its expanding network of clinics employ over 900 dedicated professionals, including more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers across surgical, non-surgical, and primary care specialties.

CMH has also been recognized nationally as one of the “Most Wired” Critical Access Hospitals, demonstrating its leadership in healthcare technology and innovation.

Emergency Department Overview

The Columbia Memorial Hospital Emergency Department serves approximately 17,000 patients annually within an 9 bed facility that functions as the region’s Level III trauma-designated center. Despite its size, the department handles high-acuity cases and operates with outstanding efficiency and clinical quality metrics.

The ED’s single-practice model fosters strong collaboration between providers and nursing staff, supported by highly engaged hospital leadership. The department operates with three 8-hour physician shifts daily (6 a.m.–2 p.m., 2 p.m.–10 p.m., and 10 p.m.–6 a.m.), with three days each week of additional 8-hour physician coverage to accommodate volume and acuity. The staffing structure also inlcude seven days a week of 10hr. daily APP coverage. This structure ensures continuous, comprehensive emergency care for the community.

The physician group includes thirteen board-certified emergency physicians. Six live locally in Astoria, while others balance practice between CMH and larger regional centers such as Adventist Health Portland and Hillsboro Medical Center. Engagement, teamwork, and clinical excellence define the group’s culture.

CMH also serves as a rotation site for second-year Emergency Medicine residents and elective third year, offering a month-long rural medicine elective that consistently receives top evaluations for educational quality, clinical exposure, and mentorship.

Why Astoria, Oregon?

Astoria, Oregon has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best small towns to live in by national publications. Nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria offers a rare blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and vibrant community life.

Residents enjoy easy access to world-class outdoor recreation—including hiking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, beachcombing, and surfing—along with a thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and award-winning dining. The welcoming, small-town atmosphere and strong community values make Astoria an ideal place to live, work, and grow professionally and personally.

Function/Duties of Position

Provide high-quality emergency medical care to patients of all ages in a rural critical access setting. Evaluate, stabilize, and manage acute and emergent conditions, including trauma, medical, surgical, and behavioral health cases. Work collaboratively with nursing staff, consultants, and hospital leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care. Participate in quality improvement, documentation, and patient safety initiatives, and support resident education during OHSU Emergency Medicine rotations.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certification:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent
• Completion of an Emergency Medicine Residency
• Current certifications in: - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) — at least one completed course
• Board Certified or Board Eligible by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) or the American Board of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (ABOEM)

Licensure & Credentialing:

• Current, unlimited Oregon medical license (MD or equivalent) required prior to start date
• Must complete credentialing and receive approval from the CMH Professional and Hospital Board to practice independently in an acute care/emergency setting
• Must be registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and authorized to prescribe medications prior to start date

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to meet standards of performance as required by law and professional practice
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet inflexible deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in the use of computing hardware and software, including electronic medical records, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Reliable and consistent attendance

Additional Details

• Hours vary.
• Frequent interruptions in an environment of frequent change and fluctuations.
• May be exposed to excessive auditory and visual stimulation.
• May be required to attend out of town conferences according to hospital travel and reimbursement policies.
• May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, possible radiation exposure, and infectious processes.
• Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed.
• Able to use all appropriate patient care equipment and office equipment within work area.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.